Although Tuukka Rask seems to be progressing well in his attempt to return from a severe abdominal/groin injury he suffered early last month, the Bruins still need to make sure they have a backup goaltender with some experience for when the playoffs start in nine days.

So today they recalled Anton Khudobin from Providence of the American Hockey League. Khudobin was recovering from his own injury when Rask went down, which led to the brief recall of Michael Hutchinson and the subsequent signing of veteran Marty Turco. Turco is not eligible to play in the postseason.

This year with the P-Bruins, Khudobin has a 21-19-3 record, 2.61 goals-against average and .919 save percentage in 44 games. More importantly, Khudobin, who the Bruins acquired in a trade with Minnesota last season, has appeared in six regular-season NHL games. He’s posted a 4-1-0 record with a 1.39 GAA and .955 save percentage. Last season, he shut out Vancouver for the Wild.

The Bruins were off today with no media availability. My guess is that Khudobin will start at least one, if not two, of the Bruins’ final three games now that the team is locked in as the No. 2 seed. You have to figure Tim Thomas doesn’t need more than one more game to be prepared for the playoffs. Thomas might not even dress for the season finale against Buffalo Saturday. My guess is you see Khudobin against Ottawa and Buffalo with Thomas backing up against the Senators, unless Thomas wants to face the Sens one more time before the eventual Boston-Ottawa playoff series.

Of course, if Rask is ready for the playoffs then none of this is all that necessary. But it still doesn’t hurt to make sure Khudobin, who would at least be the No. 3 in the postseason depending on Rask’s status, has a little more NHL experience under his belt before the most important games of the season.

I’m also pretty excited that Pitt and Philly will play. They have a deep, abiding hatred for one another, and whoever wins will definitely be without a significant number of NHL regulars. I’m rooting for Philly, because I’d much rather see them in a long series than Pittsburgh. At least we know Pitt won’t be healthy if they win though, as they are the scariest team for the bruins in the conference I would say.

The league is cyclic in regards to prospects. I only think that Sauve, McDermid and Khudobin have a chance to be “average NHL players’ on the present squad. More of the top end prospects jump right from junior.

I’m pretty pumped up to see how Khud fairs out with these guys. If Rask turns out to be as good as he could once Timmy is gone, this could be a very healthy 1-2 duo like we see now.

I agree to that there really is no reason to get Thomas a game and if so, not a full one. Get the heavy minute guys at least one of the games off. You also don’t want to get these guys out of their routine either tho. Might be worth just shrinking minutes a bunch where needed.

I have to say I’m quite excited about this lovely Phil/Pitt series that is brewing up. This series could turn into a complete bloodbath by the end! The game they had the other night turned into a hockeygasm by the end of it.

I think you are right, most top-end talent jumps from Juniors to pro as of right now. Looking at the Bruins specifically there have been some highlights. Marchand made the Bruins out of camp after a few years in the AHL and he hasn’t gone back. More recently Caron has played himself into everyday status also after a few years in the AHL. The next piece of talent there really is Khudobin, those are some great numbers on a lackluster team.

Bojangles is right that next year there will be more talent on the P-Bruins, but I don’t know if Knight or Spooner qualify as top-end prospect. Good prospects, top-end probably not. If Dougie doesn’t make the team out of juniors (unlikely) he would bring some serious talent.

Peter – Don’t know what to tell you about the AHL – the P Bs sure are lacking for talent though. Next year they’ll have Spooner and Knight along with maybe a couple others so things might take a turn for the better.

No surprised with Colborne. I never thought that much of him – but I’m still bummed we wasted a first round pick on Kaberle.

Psyched to see Khudobin. I’ve been hoping to see him between the pipes. Impressive NHL numbers for the kid. I bet he’s excited to have the Bs play in front of him for a change. It must have been tough playing for Providence this year.

BruinsBlog Readers and MattK!
Is it just my impression or is the AHL seemingly devoid of any top-end prospects? Evidence: the average recent call-ups by several teams and the signing of apparently low-ceiling, high-age College kids. Also, Joe Colborne being recalled by the Leafs–he hasn’t scored in over a month in the AHL and is minus 9!!